1-2 Months Before
Final dress fitting - Complete alterations and final fitting (Required)
Confirm all vendors - Verify details and timing with all vendors (Required)
Apply for marriage license - Obtain legal marriage license (Required)
Confirm final guest count - Finalize headcount with caterer (Required)
Create seating chart - Arrange table assignments for reception (Required)
12+ Months Before
Set your budget - Determine total budget and allocate amounts for each category (Required)
Hire wedding planner - Consider hiring a professional planner or coordinator
Create guest list draft - Make initial list of potential guests to estimate venue size (Required)
Book ceremony venue - Reserve your ceremony location (Required)
Book reception venue - Reserve your reception location (Required)
Choose wedding date - Select preferred date and backup options (Required)
3-5 Months Before
Book hair and makeup - Reserve beauty services for wedding day (Required)
Plan honeymoon - Book travel and accommodations for honeymoon
Send invitations - Mail invitations with RSVP cards (Required)
Register for gifts - Create wedding registry at preferred stores
6-8 Months Before
Reserve tuxedos or suits - Arrange formal wear for groom and groomsmen (Required)
Shop for wedding dress - Find and order your wedding gown (Required)
Order bridesmaid dresses - Select and order dresses for wedding party
Book baker for wedding cake - Select and reserve your cake designer (Required)
Order invitations - Design and order wedding invitations (Required)
9-11 Months Before
Hire band or DJ - Book entertainment for your reception (Required)
Book florist - Reserve your florist for bouquets and arrangements (Required)
Book caterer - Select and reserve your catering service (Required)
Choose wedding party - Ask friends and family to be bridesmaids and groomsmen
Book photographer - Hire your wedding photographer and videographer (Required)
Week Before
Rehearsal dinner - Host rehearsal and dinner for wedding party
Pack for honeymoon - Pack bags and prepare travel documents
Break in wedding shoes - Wear shoes around house to ensure comfort (Required)
Prepare vendor payments - Organize final payments and tips in envelopes (Required)
checklist